Mallorca Catamaran Tour in the Bay of Pollensa

Mallorca’s Bay of Pollensa catamaran cruise is at its best in the water: clear coves, pine-backed Formentor Beach, swimming among small fish, and broad views of the island’s north coast. You’ll spend about four and a half hours aboard the Robinson Catamaran, with time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, eat lunch, and simply sit on the nets or benches.

I like two things here. First, the tour reaches coastal places that are awkward to visit by land, including Ses Caletes, S’Illot, and Formentor. Second, the price of about $82.24 per person covers lunch, drinks with the meal, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards, which makes this more than a simple sightseeing cruise.

The main caution is space. The boat can carry up to 78 people, and some departures feel relaxed while others feel crowded. If having a front net or a roomy seat matters to you, arrive ready to claim a spot and keep your expectations sensible.

Key points before you book

• Formentor Beach is the visual highlight: You get time to step ashore, swim, eat or drink at the beach, and look toward the pine forest and old watchtower.
• Two kinds of water time: The trip includes stops for swimming and snorkeling, plus a chance to use stand-up paddleboards when conditions and timing allow.
• Lunch is practical and filling: Expect pasta or salad, chicken or tuna, salami, cheese, Mallorcan bread, fruit, and drinks.
• The boat may feel different from one departure to another: Some sailings have around 66 people and still feel comfortable, while others are described as too busy.
• Pickup can simplify the day: Coach transfers are offered from Alcudia and Can Picafort, while the boat itself leaves from Port de Pollença.
• Weather controls the plan: Wind, sea conditions, safety, and timing can change the route or stop lengths.

What this four-and-a-half-hour cruise is really like

This is not a quiet private sailing trip. It is a social half-day on a sizeable catamaran, with a set route, shared lunch, swimming stops, and plenty of time to watch the coast go by.

The Robinson Catamaran leaves from Port de Pollença. Once aboard, you can sit on regular benches or stretch out on the forward nets when space allows. The nets are one of the most appealing places to ride, but they tend to be popular, especially on a full departure.

The boat’s twin-hull design gives you several ways to spend the time. You can sit back for the scenery, move around for photographs, swim from the boat, or take part in the water activities. The crew is generally described as friendly and good-humored, and Captain Antonio receives a special mention for his warm service.

I would treat the published timing as an outline rather than a stopwatch schedule. Wind, sea conditions, beach access, and the pace of the day can change the order. Some trips also run longer than expected, so I would not plan a tight dinner reservation or evening excursion afterward.

Sailing from Port de Pollença into the bay

Port de Pollença gives the trip a pleasant start. The town sits at the eastern side of the bay, with the Serra de Tramuntana rising behind the coast and open water ahead.

As the catamaran moves away from port, you get the broadest view of the bay. This is when the boat itself becomes useful. From the water, you can see the curve of the shoreline, rocky headlands, pine-covered slopes, and small beaches that are hard to appreciate from a road.

Bring your camera, but also bring a cover for it. Spray is possible, particularly if the wind rises. I would choose quick-drying clothes, sunglasses with a strap, sunscreen, and a towel. The boat has bathrooms, which is a small but important comfort on a four-and-a-half-hour outing.

The ride may be calm, but it can also be rough before the boat reaches more sheltered water near Formentor. If you are prone to seasickness, sit near the center of the boat rather than at the very front or rear, and avoid arriving hungry.

Ses Caletes and the small coves along the coast

One of the early scenic areas is Ses Caletes, a small cove with clear water and a more natural feel than the developed beach resorts. The catamaran sails by or pauses in the area, depending on conditions and the day’s plan.

This section is mainly about seeing Mallorca from the sea. You may get a swim or snorkeling opportunity near one of the coves, but you should not expect a long guided exploration of every inlet. The cruise gives you a taste of several coastal spots rather than a detailed visit to one cove.

The same applies to S’Illot, a small beach near La Victoria in the Alcúdia area. It sits below the hill where the Ermita de la Victoria chapel is located, and its clear water makes it appealing from the boat. The beach is secluded compared with the main resort strips, though the catamaran may be sharing the area with other boats.

The coastline here is valuable because it shows a quieter side of northern Mallorca. You see rocky edges, small beaches, and water that changes color with the depth. The tradeoff is that some places are scenic pass-bys rather than full stops.

Formentor Beach, the main shore visit

Formentor Beach is the strongest land-based part of the trip. The beach is backed by pine trees and framed by the northern mountains, giving it the postcard quality many people hope to find on a Mallorca boat excursion.

You generally get about an hour in the Formentor area, though the exact timing can change. You can walk on the sand, swim, sit beneath the pines, or buy a drink or snack from the beach facilities. A restaurant and shops are available, but bringing a towel and your own small snack or drink is still sensible.

I like this stop because it breaks up the boat ride. Four and a half hours at sea can feel long for some people, especially children, so getting off the catamaran gives your legs a rest. It also lets you see Formentor from two angles, first from the water and then from the beach.

The drawback is that one hour goes quickly. If you want a long swim, a proper meal at the beach restaurant, and a walk, you may have to choose. The beach can also feel busy, particularly during the high season, so do not expect a private cove.

Above the beach is an old watchtower, built centuries ago to warn of pirates. The tour sails past or near this landmark, offering a glimpse of the defensive network that once watched Mallorca’s northern coast. You should not assume the boat trip includes a visit to the tower itself. Its value here is as a scenic landmark above the beach.

Lunch aboard the Robinson Catamaran

Lunch is served on board, usually around the Formentor portion of the trip or shortly afterward. The meal includes pasta salad or salad, chicken or tuna, salami, cheese, Mallorcan bread, and fruit. Water and other drinks are included with lunch, while additional drinks outside the meal may be available for purchase.

This is straightforward excursion food, not a restaurant meal. The portions are generally described as generous, and the selection works well for a mixed family group. One person specifically found enough for a vegetarian meal, though I would not book this as a specialized vegetarian or allergy-friendly food experience because detailed dietary information is not provided.

I appreciate the practical setup. You do not have to leave the boat looking for lunch, and the food gives you something substantial after swimming. It also keeps the schedule moving.

Some people will find the meal tasty and more than adequate. Others may find it basic. That is the fair way to view it: a filling buffet-style lunch included in a sightseeing cruise, not a culinary event. Coffee, soft drinks, cocktails, and other purchases may cost extra.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding

The water stops are the heart of the day. The catamaran anchors in clear water, and you can swim from the boat, use the provided snorkeling equipment, or simply float and cool off.

Several people describe swimming among small colorful fish as the best part of the trip. That makes sense. The boat takes you directly to water that is often clearer and more enjoyable than the busy shoreline beaches.

Stop lengths can vary. Some descriptions put individual swims at around 20 minutes, while the overall plan includes more than one chance to get in the water. That is enough for a refreshing swim, but not enough for a long snorkeling session if you spend time getting ready.

Stand-up paddleboards are also provided according to the tour details. In practice, availability can depend on the number of people, the sea, and the crew’s schedule. A few people have not been offered a board, so I would treat paddleboarding as an opportunity rather than a guaranteed personal session.

The same practical point applies to snorkeling gear. It is provided, but equipment is shared and time is limited. If you care about having a particular mask fit or want to snorkel seriously, bringing your own mask may be more comfortable, though the supplied details do not require or promise this.

How crowded is the boat?

This is the biggest variable, and it deserves a clear warning. The stated maximum is 78 passengers. Some departures with roughly 66 people have felt comfortable, with enough room to sit and move around. Other departures have felt too full, with the forward nets and preferred seats taken quickly.

The experience also changes with the weather. On a sunny, calm day, people spread out between the benches, deck, nets, and water. On a cooler or rougher day, more people stay in the sheltered seating areas, which can make the boat feel tighter.

I would not book this expecting an uncrowded yacht. I would book it expecting a well-organized group boat with a lively atmosphere. The crew generally gets strong marks for being helpful, friendly, and entertaining, but one negative account describes uneven attention from a crew member. That is not the overall picture, but it is fair to say service can vary during a busy sailing.

If your priority is space and quiet, a private charter or smaller boat would suit you better. If you want a social day with facilities, food, and several activities at a moderate price, the group format is part of the value.

Price, pickup, and who gets the best value

At about $82.24 per person, the tour is fairly priced if you use the inclusions. You are paying for around four and a half hours on the water, access to several coastal areas, lunch, drinks with lunch, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and the catamaran experience itself.

The value is strongest for families and couples who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and beach transport. It is also useful if you are staying in Alcudia or Can Picafort, since coach pickup is available from those areas before continuing to Port de Pollença.

The main meeting point is Stay Restaurant at Moll Nou in Port de Pollença. The activity ends back there. If you arrange your own transport, allow time to find the port and boat. If you use the coach pickup, remember that transfers and group timing can make the day longer than the time spent sailing.

This tour suits you best if you want:

• A broad look at northern Mallorca’s coast
• Swimming and snorkeling without arranging equipment yourself
• A beach visit combined with a boat ride
• A family-friendly day with lunch included
• A lively shared excursion rather than a private sailing

It is less suitable if you want a silent cruise, a long snorkeling session, a guaranteed paddleboard, or a carefully controlled food menu.

Practical details that can save you trouble

The experience is offered in English, and confirmation is received at booking. Most people can take part, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer for the ride home. A waterproof pouch for your phone is sensible. I would also bring a small amount of money for beach purchases or drinks outside the included meal.

The route can change because of wind, weather, time, and safety. Poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the operator may offer another date or experience, or a full refund.

For ordinary cancellations, the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed. Check your plans carefully before paying, especially if your hotel is more than an hour from the port.

Should you book the Bay of Pollensa catamaran tour?

I would book it if you want an easy, activity-filled day on Mallorca’s north coast. The combination of Formentor Beach, clear-water swimming, lunch, and the views around Pollensa Bay gives you a good spread of experiences without planning each part yourself.

I would not book it if the thought of 78 people on a boat bothers you or if your main goal is extended snorkeling. The tour can feel crowded, and the paddleboards are not always clearly available to everyone.

For most visitors, the best reason to choose this trip is practical value. You get scenery that is difficult to reach by road, time on a beautiful beach, a meal, and several chances to swim for one set price. Arrive prepared for a shared excursion, claim a comfortable place early, and leave your evening open in case the sea sets the schedule.

FAQ

Where does the Mallorca catamaran tour depart?

The tour departs from Stay Restaurant, Moll Nou, 07470 Port de Pollença, Mallorca.

Does the tour include transportation?

Coach pickup is available from Alcudia and Can Picafort to Port de Pollença, where the catamaran departs.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran trip lasts approximately four hours and 30 minutes.

What food is served?

Lunch includes pasta salad or salad, chicken or tuna, salami, cheese, Mallorcan bread, and fruit.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are included with lunch. Additional drinks such as coffee, soft drinks, and cocktails may be available for purchase.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board.

Are stand-up paddleboards available?

Yes, stand-up paddleboards are included among the onboard facilities, though use can depend on conditions, timing, and availability.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the experience to be canceled, you can be offered another date or a full refund.